HANOVER IT'S SH RI TIME BIG TIME!
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Question: How on earth do you cover a truck show with 1,220 exhibitors from 39 countries in a show ground that makes the NEC look like a village hall? Answer: You don't, you let Commercial Motor's technical team do it for you! Sit back, put your feet up and think of all the money you've saved on shoe leather. We bring you all the launches and innovations from the 57th IAA Hanover Show—including Merc's new heavy Ategos, a UK-bound Turkish 17tanner, a US-built split-frame tipping trailer that could give hauliers two more tonnes in the back and a Concept Transit from Ford which looks like its broadest hint yet on what the new van will be like in 2000. Visiting a truck show was never easier. Report by Toby Clark, Bryan Jarvis, Brian Weatherley and Charles Young. Pictures by Peter Cramer and Tom Lee.
ALTHOUGH FELDBINDER'S 92m3 jumbo-tanker stole the show on overall volume, this 86m3 tipping silo from Spitzer is no baby. It is built specially for Spedition Wormser of Bayern to carry plastic pellets and discharges its load by vacuum. It tips to 45 for loading using a twin Hyva ram belly frame and is supported fore and aft on mechanically operated legs. The extra depth and volume is gained by using 425/55R 19.5in tyre equipment but, for increased structural integrity, there is an extra box frame inside the main double-bubble section. Spitzer is currently building powder tankers for SeafieId and Castle Cement.
NEWS IN • VW showed a Caravelle with the BRIEF established 2.5-litre TDI engine but tuned to 150hp. It is unlikely to come to the UK but, if it does, it will offer more horse power and torque than the current petrol 140hp VR6—and presumably improved fuel economy.
MERC'S "BIG" ATEGOS broke cover at Hanover. With a brace of 17/18tonners, a six-wheeler and this 182815 28tonne light distribution tractor, the new Mercedes medium duty truck range is now fully in ploce. For full details see Vehicle News page 18-19. MAN'S NEW RANPE four-valve engines w shown in full, along the revised F2000 in up, now ovailale wi a choice of cab_heig Thiw-height_l "4412-177:1cf/at on 19.5in w is cind . 295/60 C tinentaii: for an operating fifth wheel height oF 990 FEW TOP WEIGHT SEMITRAILERS can beat the payload of American Trailer Manufacturer's 4.8-tonne aluminium triaxle tipper. "Extra payload is one sure way to make money," says company president Jimmy Wink. "And that's not easy in this business." ATM's 27m3 semi-circular body uses a short hinged two-piece chassis over the running gear, the top section carrying the front axle and the patented lower part the two rear-most axles. The substantial rear half of the body has a 15mm thick Floor while the unsupported front sits over a peripheral frame hinged front and rear. This allows the body to tip, taking the First axle up with it, and leaves the back pair on the ground. Heilbronn agent Unicorn has secured European certification.
• Mercedes' Vario vans now come as standard with ABS; a 152hp (112kW) diesel is also available. Mercedes is also offering a navigation system on Sprinters and, later, Vitas, The Auto Pilot System APS has been developed with Bosch-Blaupunkt, • Dana Spicer has introduced its Spicer Life XL range of heavy-duty universal joints and drive shafts in Europe. The components will only require lubrication after 560,000km 1350,000 miles) and thereafter at 160,000km 1100,000 mile) intervals, using a conventional lithium-based grease.
• Renault showed its first double-cab Master. II will be available from January and will coincide with the launch of Vauxhall's version— the Movano (see page 16).The sevenseater completes the van range which was launched in the UK in March,
SERVOCOM RAS-EC IS ZF'S electronically controlled rearsteer system, designed to replace and improve on trailingaxle applications. The hydraulically steered rear axle needs no mechanical connection to the Front axle, being controlled by a position sensor mounted on the existing steering gear. The steering rate is infinitely variable and can, For instance, be set up for counter steering at low speeds and parallel steering at high speed, or crabbing while manoeuvring. The next stage will be a complete steer-by-wire system, which will allow far more flexible cab design and ergonomics.
TAKE A GOOD LOOK at this van because you'll be seeing a lot more of it in 2000. The new Ford Transit might have a slightly different front end to this concept model but the load box is as good as finished. The all-new mechanics will include an offset four-valve clean-burn diesel that may or may not use common rail injection. Hub reduction on the rear axle may lower loading height and the company has not ruled out Front-wheel drive or even the option of either Front or rear-wheel drive. ZF INTRODUCED A number of gearboxes at Hanover: the Ecolite 65300 is a six-speed synchromesh manual with a torque capacity of 320Nm, designed for heavy van applications up to 6.5 tonnes and 161hp (120kW), and suitable for cable operation. It was joined by the smaller 55200 (250Nrn, up to 4.2 tonnes) and the 65850, a sixspeed 820Nm unit which will eventually replace the 6-36 in middleweight trucks. Other launches included the latest version of the 16-speed AS-Tronic automatic box (see CM 1622 July), which may be offered by MAN next year, and the redesigned Ecomat 2 automatic. EUROPEAN OPERATORS could soon be driving Mentor's latest shift-bywire semi-automatic transmission. The US manufacturer is in talks with "all major manufacturers" to get an OEM deal. It is touting the shifter as a cheaper alternative which almost eliminates wrong gear selection. A "beep" indicates a shift that might over-rev the engine, allowing the driver to make a correction. The clutch is needed on y for starts and stops and a joystick pushes forward or back for up and down shifts.
FORWARD CONTROL—or as the Americans insist on calling them cabover—tractors are a minority interest in the US. But DaimlerBenz-owned Freightliner is trying to buck that trend with its 6x4 Argosy (CM 3-9 September) shown at Hanover with a 400hp Cummins M11. Electrically operated swing-out steps allow you to walk into the cab carrying two cups of coffee--just!
FUDICKAR'S LATEST Wingliner side-opening body is fitted to this 13.6m insulated semi-trailer for an Israeli client. The all-aluminium chassis is by Menci and the body panelling comes from Univan, but the specification includes a Carrier Maxima 2 fridge and a side-stowing Palfinger Craylor radio-operated forklift. Fudickar also demonstrated a neat loadlocking bar from the US called Save-a-Load. With its articulating feet, internal hydraulic pump and compensating springs, the bar can be used vertically or across any body size. It releases by a simple push-button. TO EASE PRODUCTION bottlenecks at Eindhoven, Daf will transfer the production of all right-hand-drive 75 and 85 Series models and left hooker 65 Series to its recently acquired Leyland Trucks assembly plant next year. Meanwhile, UK operators wanting to run 385/65 wide singles on an 85 Series artic can now get these extra flare strips for the wheel arches to keep them within the legal width limit. OFFSET WHEELS are the way foward, according to SAF. It has developed a suspension system with 22.5in disc brakes for 9-tonne axles with 22.5in single wheels and an offset of 120mm. Two benefits are a maintenance-free design with a warranty for 1m km or a maximum of six years. TIRED OF TWIN wheels on your drive axle? Michelin showed a prototype Energy XDA 495/45 R22.5 wide single drive tyre that is 175mrri narrower and 135kg lighter than a brace of 315/70 R22.5s. It claims the wide single's superior rolling resistcince can save up to 4% on fuel, too. Michelin is also offering a 445/45 R19.5 single For trailers. Both are clearly great for weight but what about punctures? MERCEDES-BENZ' VITO is finally available with fork-lift friendly twin rear doors, glazed or unglazed. Hardly a range overhaul but next year will see a couple or more new engines. It is likely that the 110hp turbo-diesel available on the Continent will be fitted and will also be tuned to provide another power variant.
THYSSEN'S EMDEN division claims a 20-year-plus ageing-free life for its new tempsafe reefer body system by using stainless steel panels with glass fibre matting and vacuum insulation. Its K value is 0.2W/m2 and it can cater for temperatures between +25'C and -20"C. The triple compartment body shown on a MAN 18.264 rigid has 20mm panels, leaving 830mm wide lanes, each of them taking six Europallets. Inner walls have hinged rear panels for extra loading access. With a Thermo King URD-3 fridge and two evaporators, it weighs 7,600kg. The body system adds about 5% to the usual price. Repairs could be expensive because each vertical panel has to be re-evacuated after welding, but Thyssen points to its whole-life cost advantage.
MERCEDES SHOWED OFF the Altra, an aluminium monocoque-construction concept van designed for long life, high productivity and ease of recycling. The 7.5-tanner boasts a payload of about 4.3 tonnes and a loadspace volume of 19m3, with a loading height of only 550mm. It has independent suspension all round, and rear-wheel drive through single rear wheels fitted with 355/45R17.5 tyres, which permit a relatively uncluttered load floor. Doors are operated by the proprietary ExID remote tagging system If the driver is carrying the appropriate radio-transponder card, the door can open automatically when he is in range lot up to 12 metres).
TURKISH DELIGHT ANYONE? After showing its unusual Pininfarino-styled cab at Hanover two years ago, Turkish truck maker BMC has announced it will launch its revised Pro622 "Professional" 17-tonner chassis in the UK before the end of the year. Powered by a 6.2-litre Cummins B-Series at 180, 215 and 235hp, the Pro622 will be offered with a 5.9m and 3.6m wheelbase and at a "very cost-competitive" price. The C-Series-engined 26-tonne tipper could follow.
HAVING RECENTLY FALLEN away to almost nothing in the truck business, Deutz has struck back with a deal to supply Volvo with engines below eight litres, including units for trucks, At Hanover it showed prototype Euro-3 versions of its 2013C engine family which consists of a 168hp 3.8-litre four-pot, and 255hp 5.7litre six—both with electronically controlled unit pump fuel injection systems. Its 1013E range of in-line engines also offers ratings from 190-286hp and swept volumes from 4.76 to 7.15 litres, again with unit pump injection.
OPEL'S STAND DISPLAYED the first public viewing of the Movano—Opel/Vauxhall's bodging of the Renault Master. The Master was launched in the UK this year, the Movano arrives in the UK at the beginning of next year and will have some different features to distinguish it from its Gallic cousin. Vauxhall says it'll have a different instrument panel, seat fabric and wheel covers and CM also noticed clear rather than coloured indicator covers!
KEPPLER HAS SHOWN how user-friendly the Mercedes Econic 182311 chassis can be, especially to beer or soft drinks suppliers. With matching collar and lifting side-curtains Keppier`s BaseLiner has several variants, each having 2.29m high roofs and a load bed that can lower to 420mm. Payload is about 9.0 tonnes. Keppler also showed a neat new lightweight demount frame for swap bodies that can be operated by handpump or by using an optional electro-hydraulic/systern.
FELDBINDER, WHICH ACQUIRED Metalair last November, majors on lightweight 'powder tankers, but it also builds some very special products like this high-spec 38,000-litre, ceramic-coated aluminium liquid tanker. One of three for Beuker, it will cony highly corrosive potato mulch For which it needs heated, insulated bottom cones with electro-pneumatic valves, an integral self-washing system with two-way pump and stainless steel pipework and valves. The trio will be used in the Netherlands at 50t GCW. For better manoeuvrability and safety, Reuker also specified Tridec rear-steering, electronic braking and CCTV to the rear and off-side. MAN IS THE FIRST truck maker to sign up for Eaton's S-Seriesbased 16-speed AutoShift gearbox (CM 27 August-2 Sept). But Eaton is already talking about putting the AutoShift technology to work on smaller transmissions. At Hanover it gave a "sneak peek" of an AutoShift 7 for coaches and an AutoShift 6 for medium duty trucks. Commercial Motor has driven the AutoShift box and will be publishing a full report on it soon.
ITAUAN MANUFACTURER Carmosino was offering a steel-chassis triaxle curtainsider weighing a claimed 5,500kg on Alcoa alloy wheels—even the board for the suzie couplings was made as light as it could 6e. The firm also showed the aluminium chassis in the foreground, which looked wellfinished and amazingly light. Remember to tie it down in a breeze.
SCHIER OF HOVELHOF makes a range of body systems, in particular moving deck versions. This covered car transporter drawbar is a variation on the theme. Elevating inner decks, using screw post mechanisms reminiscent of the old Hoynor pattern, shutter doors and ramps enable the Merc 1834 prime mover to take three medium-sized saloon cars plus six stowed in the trailer behind. A lifting luton head provides access so that the car jutting over the cab con be secured while the hydraulically extending drawbar helps position the run-through ramps for off-loading.
FORD ALSO SHOWED its re-entry into the one-tonne pickup market—the Ranger. It will be available From the middle of next year with the choice of king, single or double cab, and four-wheel drive or two-wheel drive with iwo 2.5-litre diesels. A naturally aspirated variant puts out 84hp (63kW) and the turbo diesel develops 114hp (85kW) Further details will emerge nearer the launch.
AMONG THE MANY APPLICATIONS for the Mercedes-Benz Econic chassis was this 6x2 rear-steer dray, with a body by Polarus. The firm also supplies the vehicle's Zikun gullwing side doors and the extraordinary full-length side-loader platform. The three-axle truck even had a tail-lift, just to be on the safe side.
NOT SURPRISINGLY, Volvo's new FM (CM 612 Aug) took up plenty of space on the Swedish manufacturer's stand. The lowered "family" cab now sits on top of a choice of a 7.3-litre engine in the FM7; a 10-litre in the FM10; and the D12C 12litre in the FM 12. Hiccups notwithstanding, right-hand-drive FM7/12 models should arrive in the UK before the end of the year—but FM10 production does not start until early next year.
MAN'S LATEST D2866 engine powers this rear-steer 6x2 rigid with a set-forward M2000 cab, The 26.314 is plated at 26 tonnes and has a claimed kerb weight of 17,975kg; it comes with a sixspeed automatic gearbox and righthand drive for side-loading refuse collection duties.
VOLKSWAGEN REITERATED its ambition to be a truly global manufacturer and to start a "truck programme" in Europe, but many observers were sceptical. In any case, VVV's Commercial Vehicles chief, Bernd Wiedemann, admitted that it could not afford to buy any of Europe's major manufacturers. But he said: "We are not in any hurry." He suggested that, for the time being, VW will attempt to attack the lucrative US sport-utility and off-road market.
TURKISH TRAILER MANUFACTURER Tirsan had a sizeable stand, as well it might—the firm builds 3,000 trailers a year. It already exports to eastern Europe, France and Germany, where it is about to open a large new factory. The company is also the Daf distributor in Turkey. Among its exhibits was a curtainsider fitted with BPW disc brakes and this massive tilt trailer on 17.5in wheels.